New EPA Rules for Freon

AC Repair Houston wants to let you know of changes coming soon: In 2010 new EPA rules will restrict the use of refrigerant R-22. For consumers this could potentially mean higher repair costs but AC Repair Houston is doing its part to keep prices lower than its competitors.

Starting in 2010, R-22 will be produced only for use in existing HVAC units. All new units will use a new refrigerant.

After January 1, 2020, R-22 will no longer be produced. The R-22 that will be used will be recycled or recovered R-22.

AC Repair Houston is already seeing higher Freon prices because of this rule. When we first started in the air conditioning business over 20 years ago, a jug of R-22 used to cost less than what many other Houston HVAC companies charge for a pound of R-22. We have managed to keep our prices below $30 per pound of R-22 but some of our competitors are charging $75 per pound or more! If you’re adding four pounds of Freon, you would save almost $200 just by calling us.

Of course, AC Repair Houston does not believe that just adding Freon is a solution: If an air conditioning unit is low on Freon it is because there is a leak and this needs to be taken care of. If you don’t take care of the leak, you are defeating the intent of the EPA’s regulations (helping the environment). Furthermore, failure to repair the leak means you will have to pay to have the air conditioning unit recharged later and you will be facing higher R-22 prices since those prices will continue to climb.

Contact AC Repair Houston at 713-931-8850 or via email.